Comprehensive Examination Paper for the Master in Educational Technology Leadership Luis J. Alba Lamar University
a. Position Goal: Write a brief paragraph describing the educational technology leadership program and career position(s) you would like to pursue. Include positions that may lead to your ultimate career position. (20 points) The Educational Technology leadership program responds to the current needs of schools. Not only we need technology leaders in administration but also we need to continue to learn what technology leader does or why technology facilitation/leadership is a critical component to the school improvement. (Williamson, & Redish, 2009). My scope from experience shows that schools are looking at the technology implementation as a need and not as a luxury. However, not all schools show the same interest to invest time and money to have a right implementation of a technological growth. As an example, a middle school from Houston and other elementary schools I have worked with reveal a slow awareness of the importance of a formal implementation. At district level, there are several technology paths that I can follow: Administration at school as a technologist full time, district technologist, or technology manager in the district level, Educational Technology manager or Curriculum technology integration department. These roles are defined in the areas of budgeting or instruction and implementation. I see a lack of control of the huge district we have. Therefore, the ultimate job is not defined yet. It might have the form of a technology integration supervisor who would work closely curriculum managers to create innovative ways to deliver instruction with technology i.e. managerial reports about the effectiveness of our technology implementation programs such as online learning with the creation of projects, or the use of smart-boards in our districts. For this purpose, experience in use and integration of technology in the classroom is needed. After that, a managerial approach as an advisor to school administrator to evaluate and make informed decisions towards technology programs that justify the technology purchases district make. i. Leadership Goal: Write one or more paragraphs describing why you want to lead. This goal addresses the purpose or motivation for completing this degree program. You should consider the following in developing your goal: (20 points) 1. What do I hope to accomplish as an educational technology leader? 2. What educational needs underlie my motivation to work in educational technology leadership? 3. What personal needs underlie my motivation to work in educational technology leadership? 4. How will my accomplishments prepare me to lead school improvement? While an increasing demand of teachers is happening at schools, at the same time there are also a corresponding supply of well technology qualified young teachers with effective tools to integrate them into their lessons. In addition, it is also beneficial that veterans and new schoolteachers share their skills at all levels .This is an opportunity for any technology leader to step up and coordinate the sharing, integration and developing of such skills, because as technology Standard TF-TL I delineate: constant achievement on technology proficiency should remain an ongoing pursuit (Williamson, & Redish, 2009, p.22). Every time there is a school with technology integration, the opportunity arises to level up that ground and providing the same tools to others who because of lack of time or resources cannot implement the old and emerging technologies. As a leader, one has the time and access to the people with resources who can make the development of these teachers happen. Personally, aspiring for a leadership on technology means a way have a legacy on others to lead a responsible yet adventurous approach to the use of education with technology. Learning from the constructivism/ behavioral theory determines that learning should come from different levels and approaches and that everyone has a learning style that has to be addressed. For the career path that I plan, there has to happen several achievements, which include documenting successful projects and experiences that will raise credibility for my persona.
Comprehensive Examination Paper for the
Master in Educational Technology Leadership
Luis J. Alba
Lamar University
a. Position Goal: Write a brief paragraph describing the educational technology leadership program and career position(s) you would like to pursue. Include positions that may lead to your ultimate career position. (20 points)
The Educational Technology leadership program responds to the current needs of schools. Not only we need technology leaders in administration but also we need to continue to learn what technology leader does or why technology facilitation/leadership is a critical component to the school improvement. (Williamson, & Redish, 2009).
My scope from experience shows that schools are looking at the technology implementation as a need and not as a luxury. However, not all schools show the same interest to invest time and money to have a right implementation of a technological growth. As an example, a middle school from Houston and other elementary schools I have worked with reveal a slow awareness of the importance of a formal implementation.
At district level, there are several technology paths that I can follow: Administration at school as a technologist full time, district technologist, or technology manager in the district level, Educational Technology manager or Curriculum technology integration department.
These roles are defined in the areas of budgeting or instruction and implementation. I see a lack of control of the huge district we have. Therefore, the ultimate job is not defined yet. It might have the form of a technology integration supervisor who would work closely curriculum managers to create innovative ways to deliver instruction with technology i.e. managerial reports about the effectiveness of our technology implementation programs such as online learning with the creation of projects, or the use of smart-boards in our districts. For this purpose, experience in use and integration of technology in the classroom is needed. After that, a managerial approach as an advisor to school administrator to evaluate and make informed decisions towards technology programs that justify the technology purchases district make.
i. Leadership Goal: Write one or more paragraphs describing why you want to lead. This goal addresses the purpose or motivation for completing this degree program. You should consider the following in developing your goal: (20 points)
1. What do I hope to accomplish as an educational technology leader?
2. What educational needs underlie my motivation to work in educational technology leadership?
3. What personal needs underlie my motivation to work in educational technology leadership?
4. How will my accomplishments prepare me to lead school improvement?
While an increasing demand of teachers is happening at schools, at the same time there are also a corresponding supply of well technology qualified young teachers with effective tools to integrate them into their lessons. In addition, it is also beneficial that veterans and new schoolteachers share their skills at all levels .This is an opportunity for any technology leader to step up and coordinate the sharing, integration and developing of such skills, because as technology Standard TF-TL I delineate: constant achievement on technology proficiency should remain an ongoing pursuit (Williamson, & Redish, 2009, p.22). Every time there is a school with technology integration, the opportunity arises to level up that ground and providing the same tools to others who because of lack of time or resources cannot implement the old and emerging technologies. As a leader, one has the time and access to the people with resources who can make the development of these teachers happen.
Personally, aspiring for a leadership on technology means a way have a legacy on others to lead a responsible yet adventurous approach to the use of education with technology. Learning from the constructivism/ behavioral theory determines that learning should come from different levels and approaches and that everyone has a learning style that has to be addressed.
For the career path that I plan, there has to happen several achievements, which include documenting successful projects and experiences that will raise credibility for my persona.